THE chief constable has stressed the need for courage to deal with the north's troubled past as he made a symbolic appearance at the west Belfast Féile last night.
George Hamilton joined Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness at a discussion panel event focusing on the legacy of the Troubles.
Around 200 protesters gathered outside St Mary's College on the Falls Road to demonstrate ahead of Mr Hamilton's visit.
However, the senior officer was applauded when he addressed the audience inside the packed hall.
The debate focused on the thousands of killings yet to be solved; allegations of past police wrongdoing; continuing failures to address sectarianism and division; and the current threat posed by dissident republicans.
The officer faced questions, some from bereaved relatives, about police collusion with loyalists during the Troubles, failures in conflict-related investigations and delays in disclosing top-secret papers to legacy inquests.
"I know that me being here tonight is difficult for some people and I know there are others that simply don't want me here at all," he said.
"I can appreciate that, I accept it, but you know what - I am here. Why have I come? I have come because I believe the vast majority of people in our society want a better future for the next generation, for my children and yours."
Mr Hamilton said the current "piecemeal" way of dealing with the past was not working for anyone in Northern Ireland.
He said the Stormont House structures had the potential to make progress but he emphasised the need for wider society to play a role.
"I think we need to be brave and courageous - easy words to say. I think we need to believe in our ability to continue to build a safe, confident, peaceful society together," he said.
Mr McGuinness praised Mr Hamilton for attending.
"It's no easy journey for someone who effectively comes from an organisation like the police service to come to a place like west Belfast," he said.
He said republicans must contribute to the proposed truth recovery mechanisms.
"As a republican, I am prepared to make that contribution," he said.
